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A 0.8 fructose:maltodextrin ratio enhances endurance performance and exogenous carbohydrate oxidation : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Science at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand

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Abstract

Introduction: A ratio of fructose to glucose/maltodextrin of approximately 0.8 in a carbohydrateelectrolyte
solution ingested during endurance exercise was recently seen to substantially increase
exogenous-carbohydrate oxidation, gut comfort and performance. However, it remains to be
determined if the apparent fructose:glucose ratio optima is robust when the possible confounders of
differences in solution osmolality and carbohydrate concentration are removed from consideration via
clamping, and if the 0.8 ratio also promotes faster fluid absorption.
Methods: In a randomised double-blind crossover, 12 male cyclists rode 2 h at 57.5% peak power,
then performed 10 repeated-maximal-sprints, while ingesting artificially sweetened water or one of
three isomotic 11.25% carbohydrate-salt solutions at 800 mL·h-1, comprising fructose and,
maltodextrin/glucose, at the respective mean rates (g·min-1): 1.0, 0.5 (0.5-Ratio); 0.67, 0.83 (0.8-
Ratio); 0.83, 0.67 (1.25-Ratio). Each solution was also spiked with 5 g D2O at 30 min into the 2-h
preload. 14C-enriched fructose and naturally 13C-enriched maltodextrin/glucose permitted fructose and
glucose oxidation rate evaluation by liquid scintillation and mass spectrometry, respectively, and
indirect calorimetry.
Results: Mean exogenous-fructose and mean exogenous-glucose oxidation rates were 0.27 (SD%,
46), 0.39 (56) and 0.46 g·min-1 (53), and 0.65 (30), 0.71(14) and 0.58 (28) g·min-1 in 0.5-, 0.8- and
1.25-Ratio, respectively; representing oxidation efficiencies (%) for fructose of 56 (12), 60 (7) and 56
(10), for glucose of 67 (16), 86 (11) and 89 (21), and for total exogenous-carbohydrate of 70 (9), 74
(6) and 64 (9), respectively. Relative to 0.5- and 1.25-Ratios, total exogenous-carbohydrate oxidation
rate with 0.8-Ratio was very likely 6.4% (90% confidence limits; ±3.1%) and almost certainly 12.7%
(±2.6%) higher, respectively, while respective differences in total-exogenous carbohydrate oxidation
efficiency was 4.1±1.8% and 8.8 ±1.9%. Endogenous-carbohydrate oxidation with 1.25-Ratio was
very likely higher relative to 0.5- and 0.8-Ratio conditions (31.3%; ±26.6% and 37.3%; ±27.8%,
respectively) but comparisons of fat and total-carbohydrate oxidation rates were unclear among
carbohydrate solutions. Mean sprint power with 0.8-Ratio was moderately higher than 0.5-Ratio
(2.9%; 99% confidence limits ±2.8%) and 1.25-Ratio (3.1%; ±2.7%), and almost certainly higher than
Water (11.9%; ±3.0%); repeated-sprint fatigue (slope) was possibly attenuated with 0.8-Ratio
compared to 0.5- and 1.25-Ratio (2.1%; ±5.7% and 1.7%; ±5.5%, respectively). Blood D2O
enrichment differences were possibly small or inconclusive among all solutions. Differences in
gastrointestinal comfort during the 2-h ride were trivial/unclear among the carbohydrate conditions,
however, increases in abdominal cramping were likely greater with 0.8-Ratio during the performance
test.
CHO ratio on CHO metabolism and performance
Conclusions: Substantial enhancement of endurance performance results from ingestion of 0.8 ratio
fructose:maltodextrin/glucose solutions, which is associated with increased exogenous-carbohydrate
oxidation efficiency driven largely by a greater contribution from exogenous-fructose oxidation.
Further research is required to determine the effect on fluid absorption and the physiological site
responsible for the 0.8 ratio effect.